Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-01-04
The Business Outlook


is Of a very encouraging character. The
past year has been largely occupied in
clearing the way for future operations.
A year ago it was uncertain what changes
il any would be made in the tariff. 1t was
known that it would be assailed,
and this knowledge with the uncer-
tainty as to what the result would be
cast cloud over business which
made capitalists timid and unwilling
to embark in enterprises which change
in the tariff might seriously affect. Labor
troubles, bad securities. and other de
pressing influences had an unfAvorable
effect, but we enter the new year with
trade improving. enterprise awakening,
and the labor troubles we hope drawing
to an end, while the tariff question is set
tied for this year nj least 30 that 1t will
not interfere with our industries of the
field factory and shop. One OF our
metropolitan exchanges says The
coming year will be the greatest ever
known in our mills. our factories, fur
naces and mines. After mining this year
more anthracite coal than ever before, the
supply on hand IS scanty and the anorm-
Gus demand tor iron OF all kinds assures
steady fires in furnace and foundry and the
largest consumption on that account.
VIVA, the crops will be is only matter
of speculation. but the acreage titled will
be the greatest ever turned bv the pillow,
for the many hundreds OF miles Of iron
track that has been laid over the western
prair,es and into the mountains. will open
new fields to the tide of humanity that is
steadily drifting westward. There may
be war In Europe, for the skies are omin-
Gus now, but such an event. howe, yer
much to be deplored, can bring to us moth
ing but advantage. 1t would increase in
definitely the demand for our oreadstufs
and enrich our farmers, while the wheels
in our mills would revolve all the faster
10 make up for those stopped by hostile
hand in foreign country. At the same
tlIue " Woulu bIibS w -" "s'N" VI
the better class; indeed, the volume OF
immigration already shows steady in
crease. for up to the LIST Of November tho
gain had been little over 20 per cent.
more than last year, but for the last
month the increase was about 80 per
cent.
10, 10 fpar q
IN money. for we enter upon the new
wear with an unusually large increase in
our stock of gold. 1t has been coming in
faster than ever during the current month.
and the end is not yet. This gold has
come not only in payment for cotton and
bread .tufls. but tor investment in Ameri
can securities.
The gilt of prophecy is not ours. We
can only forecast the future by what we
know OF the past. But all the conditions
for wear of natiossi and individual
prosperity. for period of great develop
ment and growth. seem present"
Coming nearer home, TO orr own State.
wa find indications OF brisk business
wear. such as has not been seen Tor many
wears. New railroads are projected that
If built will give employment. to all who
desire work. and develop industries that
will conduce to the prosperity of the State
All of these projects will not succeed, but
some of them will. "Wherc there is \
will there is way" is the old saving,
and il is nearly always correct. The
lumber business promises well. so do
the ice and granite business, and the
manufactures of various kinds extending
into all sections of the State are fairly
prosperous and will do better As the bust
ness boom increases. The farming in
terests of our State were probably never in
better condition than at present. Our
farmers are using their brains more than
formerly. They are better educated in
their business. They are building better
houses and barns. raising better stock,
studying their lands and the markets more
aud growing more contented as well as
more prosperous. The oranges have
done great deal for them aud will do
more, and every year will add TO their
knowledge. skill, comfort and prosperity
in their chosen pursuit.
The indications are that emigration from
this State to the West this year will be
much less than usual. Our people are
s,d;ng on, that the West has its great
dtawba, Ks as we'll as the East; that indus
try and perseverance will in the long run
and on the average bring more gratifying
results than going West to seek fortune.
The influx of summer visitors to Maine
will be larger this year than usual. 1t
will bring more money, build more cot